Volkswagen is reportedly scaling back its workforce at the Dresden Glass Manufaktur facility, with projections indicating only approximately 135 positions will remain available. This information, detailed in a letter from the Volkswagen brand to the Saxon state government and reported by “Handelsblatt”, cites the company’s recent weak half-year results and associated cost pressures.
Currently, around 280 employees are working at the Dresden location, a significant reduction from the 320 employed at the end of 2024. Many employees have already accepted early retirement or severance packages and solutions for approximately 70 remaining staff are still pending. While Volkswagen has committed to workforce security measures extending to 2030 across the wider group, the Dresden facility faces specific challenges.
According to “Handelsblatt”, the Glass Manufaktur, a site known for its transparent production processes, is slated to cease vehicle manufacturing operations by the end of 2025. The facility, which currently assembles the electric compact car ID.3, is reportedly costing the company around €60 million annually. Volkswagen is currently in negotiations with the Technical University of Dresden regarding the potential repurposing of a large portion of the site. However, critical financing arrangements remain unresolved.
A company spokesperson declined to confirm the specific workforce projection when questioned by “Handelsblatt”, citing confidential ongoing discussions with the state of Saxony and the university. All parties involved have affirmed that constructive negotiations are underway.